New AEP Ohio rate plan addresses concerns

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- American Electric Power says a rate proposal the company is submitting to state regulators discards several charges that delivered high bills to business, churches and schools.

The Columbus Dispatch reports (http://bit.ly/HrbAN9) the company will present the plan Friday to replace one rejected last month by the state Public Utilities Commission. It calls for larger business customers paying more and restores a discount for all-electric homes.

Residents and businesses will see rate increases of about 5 percent, meaning an average residential bill will rise about $7.40 monthly.

The earlier plan had been approved by the Utilities Commission and went into effect in January. But commissioners revoked the plan after complaints.

Also at issue has been the fee the Columbus-based AEP can charge customers and competitors when users switch to another electricity provider.